Bank Holiday Bubbles – Why Champagne Isn’t Just For Occasions
Once upon a time, a glass of bubbly was reserved for special occasions – weddings or other celebrations, maybe to see in the new year. These days, thanks to the rise in popularity of fizz from Prosecco to sparkling wines from all over England, you can pop a cork any time the mood takes you.
We all need something to put a smile on our faces at the moment and if that’s the resounding sound of that cork leaving the bottle, then fizz it is.
That said, while other sparkling wines are rather delicious, there’s still something a bit special about having an actual bottle of Champagne. The UK is the biggest importer of bottles of Champagne in the world, and it’s exported to around 30 countries.
You probably already know, but Champagne only comes from the Champagne region of France, the country’s most northerly wine region, north-east of Paris, and is made using Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier grapes.
The Champagne appellation represents 4% of France’s vineyard and just 0.4% of the total world vineyard – another reason why it’s so special.
On top of that, the prestigious tipple has a history of strong female figures and today, whilst still male-dominated, has a growing number of female Chefs de Cave – basically cellarmaster or head winemaker.
They include Elisabeth Sarcelet, Chef de Cave at Champagne Castelnau, a brand you may not have heard of but which might be just the thing you need for a Bank Holiday celebration, Father’s Day, or any other occasion that takes your fancy. 
Known for its exceptional quality, Champagne Castelnau Brut Réserve NV is multi-award winning, vegetarian and vegan. It’s full and flavoursome and I’m told it has a level of complexity rarely found in a non-vintage Brut.
If you taste it you should get spicy overtones, warm praline flavours, and fruity notes of peach and apricot, according to Sarcelet. It’s perfect with canapes or served with food like sole or other fish dishes.
It’s also a bit more understated in appearance than some of its rivals, making it an easy bottle to pop on the table for even the most low-key of occasions, or to drink alone as an aperitif.
You can order it online from a range of retailers who all deliver nationwide and it’s eminently affordable, priced between £30 and £36. Here are some places you can order from. Give it a try – it might well become your go-to tipple, no matter what the occasion:-
The Wine Society: www.thewinesociety.com (currently delivering to members)
Wine Hub Devon: www.wine-hub.co.uk
The Tasting House Reading: www.tastinghouse.co.uk – 10% off all on-line orders
Tannin & Oak, West Hampstead London: www.tanninandoak.com
Chapman Wine Merchants Eastbourne: www.chapmanwinemerchants.com – buy 6 get 10% off
